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It’s a great Monday as we launch into the week with guest host Ben Hadley. Today we’re talking about software-defined vehicles and how Polestar is leaning in, Tesla’s recent patents for wireless home EV charging and autonomous AI bots that are starting to become effective in business.

Show Notes with links:

• Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath believes the transition to software-defined vehicles (SDVs) represents a major leap forward in automotive innovation. He stresses that SDVs are not just a buzzword but an essential shift as software takes a central role in shaping vehicle performance and user experience, particularly for Polestar’s electric lineup.
  • Ingenlath sees enormous potential in SDVs, transforming vehicles far beyond connectivity features, including how they drive, accelerate, and manage energy systems.
  • Software complexity caused significant delays for the Polestar 3, as the crossover shares its platform with Volvo’s EX90, which experienced similar issues.
  • Polestar’s sales goals were impacted by the delays, with the company falling short of its 2023 target by selling 54,600 vehicles instead of 124,000.
  • The SDV focus isn’t unique to Polestar, as Audi recently created a management role dedicated to SDVs.
  • "That is how much of an impact software has. It changes the physical behavior of a car,” Ingenlath said.

• Tesla is advancing wireless home EV charging, revealed through new patent applications, signaling a shift toward autonomous charging solutions.
  • Tesla’s wireless charging aims to remove the need to manually plug in your car, a convenience that aligns with its goal of autonomous driving.
  • Wireless charging has historically been less efficient than cable-based options, but new methods, such as magnetic resonance, claim similar efficiency (~95%).
  • Patents reveal Tesla’s focus on solving technical challenges like ground leakage and temperature management to improve efficiency.
  • Chief designer Franz von Holzhausen confirmed work on a wireless charging pad, with possible applications for the Cybertruck and other models.

• Researchers at Stanford have developed “Smallville,” a game featuring AI-driven agents that can autonomously perform tasks. These agents, powered by large language models (LLMs), demonstrate why autonomous AI will become essential for organizations.
  • AI agents in Smallville can remember, plan, and act independently, showcasing their potential to handle tasks like event planning without human input.
  • Businesses are starting to explore AI agents in areas like stock trading and product design, pointing to a future where AI handles complex functions with minimal oversight.
  • AI agents are poised to become key team members, handling tasks like managing meetings, assisting with decisions, and supporting specialized teams.

Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.

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